THE final countdown is on as the BBC prepares to pull the plug on ten channels.
But fear not, they’re only disappearing from certain boxes as part of a massive upgrade.
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Next week the broadcaster will switch off some feeds for channels including BBC One and BBC Two.
The move has been a long time coming as the BBC phases out old SD (standard definition) channels in favour of HD only.
On Monday, January 8, SD channels will disappear from satellite.
This will affect anyone with a dated Sky or Freesat box not capable of receiving HD.
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If that’s the case for you, you’ll need to get a brand new set-top box – see further advice below.
The huge upgrade was due to conclude in March, but it was brought forward to January.
“We are urging impacted homes to act now to avoid disappointment and loss of any BBC channels,” the BBC said.
“Demand for our help scheme resources that launched in March this year has been much lower than expected and we believe the number of homes still using SD-only satellite equipment is now far lower than anticipated.”
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All the BBC’s SD channels will cease broadcasting, including:
- BBC One SD
- BBC Two SD
- BBC Three SD
- BBC Four SD
- CBBC SD
- CBeebies SD
- BBC News SD
- BBC Scotland SD
- BBC ALBA SD
- BBC Parliament SD
Is my TV affected by the HD satellite upgrade?
The upgrade only affects satellite – SD channels on Freeview will remain in place for now.
You should have noticed a big notification on BBC One if your satellite box is impacted by the changes.
It reads: “From Monday 8th January 2024, all BBC TV and radio services will only be available on HD-enabled satellite equipment.
“To continue to receive BBC services, you now need to upgrade.”
Sky has shared the exact models affected, which are:
Digibox
- 4F01 to 4F08 (Amstrad)
- 4E01 to 4E05 (Grundig)
- 9F01 to 9F08 and 9F0A (Pace)
- 0F01 to 0F05 (Panasonic)
- 4E06 to 4E08 (Thomson)
Sky+
- 4F2001 to 4F2006 (Amstrad)
- 4F2101 to 4F2118 and 9F2101 to 9F2137 (Amstrad or Pace)
- 9F2001 to 9F2024, PVR2, 9F2201 to 9F2235, 9F2301 to 9F2339 (Pace)
- 4E2101 to 4E2141 (Thomson)
Freesat box users can go to channel 799 if they’re unsure – this will tell you immediately whether your kit is fine or not.
Sky viewers should head to channel 105 – if it’s listed as “Channel 5 HD” your equipment is HD capable.
But if it simply says “Channel 5” with no mention of HD on the end then you will need to upgrade.
Will I get a free box upgrade?
There is support towards the cost of new equipment for some viewers.
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The BBC is offering vouchers towards the cost of a replacement for vulnerable households.
And Sky is offering a Sky Q box upgrade at no extra cost to its customers.
